Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
4.5
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About
Take one or both tours in combination for a delightful sightseeing excursion through some of the most scenic areas of Connecticut: scenic train ride in restored railroad cars pulled by a coal-fired locomotive and a ride up the Connecticut River by riverboat.
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Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
762 reviews
Excellent
430
Very good
221
Average
71
Poor
15
Terrible
25
debrak2
Wantagh, New York65 contributions
Aug 2020
This is a wonderful family day trip for all ages. I went with my husband and 2 daughters in their 20s. If you think this is a trip for little kids, you are wrong. There were couples and families of all ages. The train and boat trips are relaxing and the narration on each is excellent, especially our boat tour guide (I think his name was Jared) who was very funny. I highly recommend this day trip at this time because of the special attention they give to safety during the pandemic. We watched as the trains were cleaned between rides, hand sanitizer was always available and encouraged, and mask wearing was enforced when necessary (not necessary on the train or if more than 6 feet apart on the boat). I HIGHLY recommend this fabulous trip to anyone. Very worth the price!
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gladysbarros66
Connecticut295 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
Essex offers the best of both worlds a train ride along and boat ride on the Connecticut River. We started with a fun ride on the train with a live narration of the trains history and then we climbed aboard the riverboat that was also narrated whimsically with history. The train and boat did a wonderful job making sure everything was clean and seats on the train were safely distanced and had shields and the boat reminded everyone to keep 6' apart when possible. You must make reservations in advance due to the Covid19 situation.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BCClass77
Needham, MA33 contributions
Sept 2021
On a fall clear day this little ride on a steam train and then onto a narrated river cruise is just the "ticket" ;)
My friend and I started at Gillette Castle first and then on to the train/boat cruise which is a perfect combo.
The views are stunning from the Castle home and well worth visiting. Downtown Essex for lunch in between is also well worth it. Enjoy, fellow travelers.
My friend and I started at Gillette Castle first and then on to the train/boat cruise which is a perfect combo.
The views are stunning from the Castle home and well worth visiting. Downtown Essex for lunch in between is also well worth it. Enjoy, fellow travelers.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack L
East Syracuse, NY790 contributions
Sept 2021
Before I get to the rides, first will review the train station/depot. Walking toward the ticket booth is a brick walkway with the 10 benches. Just outside the gift shop is a picnic area with six tables. The gift shop is small, however thee is enough items to spend your money on. Restrooms are located on the opposite side of the ticket booth. All staff members are dressed in 1920's uniforms.
Overall the train ride was not all great. The train consist one locomotive, coal car and six passenger cars, with one not being used. During the ride, conductor Peter gave a narration about the train's history. During the ride all a passenger will view are trees, rock cliffs, bushes and part of the Connecticut River and small streams. At times the train will pass by a village or street with the stop lights flashing the locomotive's horn blowing. The speed would be a constant four MPH. The biggest site will be the marina, where the boat ride is located.
The boat ride or cruise was much more interesting & entertaining, which last probably 45 minutes. The train stops at the Dep River Point to drop off the it's present passengers & pick up the passengers just coming from the boat ride. During the cruise, people will view yachts-still or cruising-, speed boats & one or two water skiers. During the cruise a narrator will give a good idea of what to see. One site is a castle high on a mountain top, which is owned by an actor or allowed to live there. Overall the boat ride was much more enjoyable over the train ride. The last train ride is 4:00 for dinner at the Deep River Boat.
In my opinion the $39.99 was not worth the train ride, however there is no other way to the boat ride. For parking is a large gravel lot, with six handicapped spaces. Beside the train ride, there are two still trains, probably for historical valve and good for photography.
Overall the train ride was not all great. The train consist one locomotive, coal car and six passenger cars, with one not being used. During the ride, conductor Peter gave a narration about the train's history. During the ride all a passenger will view are trees, rock cliffs, bushes and part of the Connecticut River and small streams. At times the train will pass by a village or street with the stop lights flashing the locomotive's horn blowing. The speed would be a constant four MPH. The biggest site will be the marina, where the boat ride is located.
The boat ride or cruise was much more interesting & entertaining, which last probably 45 minutes. The train stops at the Dep River Point to drop off the it's present passengers & pick up the passengers just coming from the boat ride. During the cruise, people will view yachts-still or cruising-, speed boats & one or two water skiers. During the cruise a narrator will give a good idea of what to see. One site is a castle high on a mountain top, which is owned by an actor or allowed to live there. Overall the boat ride was much more enjoyable over the train ride. The last train ride is 4:00 for dinner at the Deep River Boat.
In my opinion the $39.99 was not worth the train ride, however there is no other way to the boat ride. For parking is a large gravel lot, with six handicapped spaces. Beside the train ride, there are two still trains, probably for historical valve and good for photography.
Written December 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angela r
1 contribution
Dec 2022
i am writing to say my family and I had a terrible time on the train ride yesterday. We took the 5pm train we had a full car of 20 tickets at 55.00 each. Our host elf was sparkle. She did a horrible job, we couldn’t even understand a word she was saying the whole entire time.
This trip was very disappointing, and we did not enjoy it. This was a bad experience for my grandchildren and nieces and nephews. We paid a lot of money for this trip and was not worthed. Sparkle was running up and down the aisle and she was out breathe and made worse for us to hear her. The kids are not engaged at all on the train. The songs that played for them, where songs they didn’t know and we didn’t know?? The hot chocolate was cold! what a waste of time and money. tickets should be five dollars not 55.
This trip was very disappointing, and we did not enjoy it. This was a bad experience for my grandchildren and nieces and nephews. We paid a lot of money for this trip and was not worthed. Sparkle was running up and down the aisle and she was out breathe and made worse for us to hear her. The kids are not engaged at all on the train. The songs that played for them, where songs they didn’t know and we didn’t know?? The hot chocolate was cold! what a waste of time and money. tickets should be five dollars not 55.
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicole z
Wallingford, CT61 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
First time doing the polar express ride with our two year old. I’m not sure what we expected but each car has a performer and the entire ride they enact some ridiculous, over the top obnoxious “Christmas” performance. It was loud and overwhelming. There was no real Christmas/holiday music and the whole thing was extremely corny. No hot chocolate was served due to COVID, however there are some cars with VIP seating that serve drinks so this just felt like a Money grab.
Written December 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shout2g
Boston, MA11 contributions
Oct 2022
Maybe I expect too much in my old age, but this train ride was perhaps just a quaint, rolling stroll through the trees; with nothing to see, except the Gillette castle, which was too far away to appreciate. (Note to self, to check that out, some others trip.)
Little did my husband and I know, that no drinks or food was available on the train, unless you sat in first class (should have checked the fine print on the website, so that’s on me).
We were packed onto the boat like sardines with some children required to sit on their parents’ laps, all the while yelling and hanging off, near the edge of the boat ramp gate. And, who would want to wrestle with the crowd to get to the snack bar?
Lastly, one of the ‘mates’ was reading off the history and the sites along the river, in a very loud voice and too fast to understand. Not a pleasurable experience, at all, sorry to say.
Little did my husband and I know, that no drinks or food was available on the train, unless you sat in first class (should have checked the fine print on the website, so that’s on me).
We were packed onto the boat like sardines with some children required to sit on their parents’ laps, all the while yelling and hanging off, near the edge of the boat ramp gate. And, who would want to wrestle with the crowd to get to the snack bar?
Lastly, one of the ‘mates’ was reading off the history and the sites along the river, in a very loud voice and too fast to understand. Not a pleasurable experience, at all, sorry to say.
Written October 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William W
Boston, MA26 contributions
May 2022
If I had to choose one word to describe the steam train & riverboat ride, it would be "chaotic" . So many people. We had to wait on line to board the train. Even with "first class" tickets we had to scramble for seats together. The view from the train was simply trees close-up. Big deal. Then when we arrived at the dock for the boat it was another big gathering of people (the "Last Judgement"?) and yet another scramble for seats. Good luck getting a seat next to your family/friends. We had a history lecture on board but, if truth be told, listening to Handel's Water Music would have been more relaxing and appropriate. There were a couple of weddings going on at the dock and at the train station which added to the chaos. Passengers beware: the train is NOT air conditioned - even in the "first class" car.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom U
Blythewood, SC281 contributions
Jul 2021
Peaceful 1' steam train ride for several miles, then about 45" on a riverboat then back to the train.
The narration and views from the train were limited but interesting to the younger crowd and those unfamiliar with trains. Nice way to "go back in time."
The narration and views from the train were limited but interesting to the younger crowd and those unfamiliar with trains. Nice way to "go back in time."
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CTHappyHikers
East Lyme, CT94 contributions
Sept 2021
This is a fun activity for all ages. My extended family of 8 with kids (youngest were 11) to grandparents (in their 80s) enjoyed this trip down a scenic rail trail. Especially with the 4 seater, it was not hard to pedal for anyone. It was a little difficult for the grandparents to get in and out of the cars since you have to step over a bar, but the staff were very patient and they were able to do it with some help. The staff are wonderful-very friendly and conscientious.
Two areas for improvement - The loading area is not conveniently located near the parking and when you first arrive it is difficult to determine where the rail bikes are located. Marked parking for the rail bikes with a clear path to the loading area would be helpful.
Second, they could purchase nicer rail bikes. The staff did say this activity was something they recently added due to COVID and these used to only be used by staff, but this seems to be a popular attraction and often sells out. We have been on other rail bikes which were much nicer. These do not have a basket for a backpack (although they do have drink holders and a zipper bag for small items) and the chains and wheels were not covered. The angle of the seats wasn't the most comfortable. They are able to move the seats forward and backward, but the not tilt of the seat. It was a fun activity, but could be improved with better rail bikes.
Two areas for improvement - The loading area is not conveniently located near the parking and when you first arrive it is difficult to determine where the rail bikes are located. Marked parking for the rail bikes with a clear path to the loading area would be helpful.
Second, they could purchase nicer rail bikes. The staff did say this activity was something they recently added due to COVID and these used to only be used by staff, but this seems to be a popular attraction and often sells out. We have been on other rail bikes which were much nicer. These do not have a basket for a backpack (although they do have drink holders and a zipper bag for small items) and the chains and wheels were not covered. The angle of the seats wasn't the most comfortable. They are able to move the seats forward and backward, but the not tilt of the seat. It was a fun activity, but could be improved with better rail bikes.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a place where dogs can stay while on the train?
Written December 22, 2019
Definitely call and ask, I saw no room for dogs on the train.
Written December 23, 2019
Hi There, I'd like to know how long the train and boat trip take? I'm trying to see if I need to make a lunch or dinner reservation.
Written September 20, 2019
For the train and boat ride it was a few hours, I did not do the dinner train. Only the regular boat and train ride.
Written January 14, 2020
Would like to do train and riverboat but also make a weekend out of it. What area should we stay in that will be somewhat near the train/boat but also nice shops, hiking, restaurants, etc?
Written September 11, 2019
I Stayed in Groton CT which was about 20-25 minutes away. It wasnt a bad ride all highway
Written September 11, 2019
What is the recommendation for attire if doing the train and boat tour, no meal included, riding in first class car?
Thank you.
Written September 10, 2019
Tre casuale! Ladies slacks or even shorts on a warm day; same applies for the gentlemen with a casual shirt. Perhaps a light sweater as the time on the water can be cooler than when on land. PLEASE, AMERICA, no t-shirts with offensive/cute/smarmy messages on them, and leave your pajamas home. The entire experience is casual, but with a touch of the refinement and decorum the way things were when people traveled this way all the time. Remember--you're part of the view also.
Written September 11, 2019
How much is it to take a train ride?
How much for the boat?
Can we purchase tickets in advance?
Written July 24, 2019
Tickets were purchased online
Written July 25, 2019
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